In a season that looks increasingly like ending with United claiming their 20th league title, the question of who is their player of the year is something of a head-scratcher.

Even with 28 goals, Wayne Rooney cannot be regarded as an automatic selection, Nani and Young have flickered at times without producing consistent performances, while goalkeeper David de Geaâs woeful early performances in his debut season rule him out.

But, despite the 2-0 win at Ewood Park being only his 20th league appearance of the season, there is a strong argument to suggest winger Valencia has done more than anyone to advance Unitedâs cause with his assists, goals and willingness to track back.

The Ecuadorianâs 81st-minute strike against a stubborn RoversÂ side may well prove to be one of Unitedâs most important goals of the campaign, and Young, who was teed up by Valencia for Unitedâs second, said: âAntonio was brilliant and he got his rewards with a goal.

Rafael added: âHe just plays his natural game and gets better and better all the time.â

So wary are opponents now of Valenciaâs crossing ability, they have started to stand off a little bit, offering him space to charge into.

As Wolves found to their cost a fortnight ago and Blackburn last night, it is a highly dubious tactic as Valencia is more than capable of scoring himself.

âAs a fellow winger I will give him it as a shot,â said Young of last nightâs effort, when Valencia cut in off the right flank and struck a ferocious shot from a narrow angle that beat Paul Robinson at his far post.

âMaybe the keeper wasnât expecting a shot from that distance,â said Rafael.